4184 The Zoologist — October, 1874. 



is twenty-eight inches. The eyes are brown. In her native country 

 she is renowned as a snake-killer, and popular error says that after 

 killing a snake she would eat of a plant called mungo root [Ophoriza 

 Mungos) to destroy any toxic effects; but this is extremely doubtful. 



Of her domestic attractions it is inopossible to speak too highly. 

 Very cleanly in her habits, remarkably graceful in her movements, 

 and, unless kept confined for several days, perfectly free from 

 smell, she is at once, in her best behaviour, a pet of all. Very like 

 a kitten in her antics, she will play with a ball between her paws, 

 rolling over and over again, sometimes appearing as if she was 

 endeavouring to turn herself inside out, but instantly righting. 

 When at evening my wife is sewing, she will empty her work- 

 basket, delighted to get a reel of cotton, which she most ener- 

 getically unwinds. Should ray wife be writing, Jenny will steal lo 

 her face, and playfully lay hold of her pen or bite her nose. Most 

 gentle in ways, she has never bitten any one in the house. My 

 Utile boy pulls her indiscriminately about; in fact, of all the 

 pets I have kept, Jenny carries the prize for amusement. One 

 trait in her character is very interesting; should no saucer of milk 

 or water be at hand, she will go to the water-botlle, stand upon the 

 neck with her fore paws, pushing one down the neck inside until 

 she reaches the water, then forms the foot into a scoop, withdrawing 

 it when filled, and lapping uji the contents, and so on until satisfied. 

 When tlic tobacco-jar is on the table she will scrape out the whole 

 of the contents, spreading it on the cloth. When bed-time conies 

 she will decamp, and call as much as you may she will not answer, 

 but when you get into bed you will find a round ball carefully 

 tucked up in the blanket, and that is our little acquaintance 

 Jenny. She will not patronize one bed, but selects the most 

 comfortable. 



So much for her good behaviour; but there are two sides to 

 most questions, so if you will permit, and have patience to read, 

 I will tell you her worst propensities. Jenny is par excellence the 

 most stealthy thief I ever met with — nothing in any way get-at-able 

 is safe. If when at dinner, and she is loose, you do not keep a 

 keen eye on your plate, whilst you arc handing up a morsel to 

 your own mouth, the remainder of your meat vanishes, and when 

 she has it, like a kitten, her tail becomes immediately double or 

 treble its size, and, amidst much swearing, she devours what an 

 instant before you had fondly hoped was your own. Turn your 



